Gabbehs are southwest Persian rugs that were originally used as sleeping rugs. Tulus are Turkish equivalent to gabbehs usually woven with long mohair pile. The Berber tribes in the Atlas mountains of Morocco also produce a type of rug that is similar in structure and spirit to the gabbeh.

They are characteristic long-piled and woven with large knots. Until recently, they were unknown to the Western market which had prized fined detail design and knotting. However, recently the market place has come to appreciate the boldness and spontaneity of these rugs. Weavers now make these rugs in all the sizes needed in a Western home.

Although, non-tribal weavers in many countries use gabbeh designs, the best still come from southwest Persia, woven by the same peoples who have done so for centuries. Ironically, the contemporary Western preference is for even less detail in design than can be found in antique gabbehs.